FCC, USDOT, and Cell Phone Crashing at the Airport

Last week we saw the FCC vote 3-2 to consider lifting its ban on in-flight cell phone use. On the same day, the USDOT and members of Congress took steps to examine blocking those calls.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx stated:

“We believe USDOT’s role, as part of our Aviation Consumer Protection Authority, is to determine if allowing these calls is fair to consumers. USDOT will now begin a process that will look at the possibility of banning these in-flight calls. As part of that process, USDOT will give stakeholders and the public significant opportunity to comment.”

For some (many?) the idea of cell phone conversations on a plane could be annoying and increase the likelihood of a threat, while others urge for the allowance as a consumer rights issue.

One comedian shared his method of drawing attention to the annoyance of cell phone use at the airport gate area, where you often find yourself stuck getting ready to board or waiting to hear important announcements regarding your flight. YouTuber Greg BensonofMediocreFilms, with the help of his wife, Kim, as camerawoman, demonstrates one “solution” to those annoying cell phone talkers:

Mark is an attorney, professor, coach, runner, world traveler & coffee drinker, as well as the founder and chief blogger for travelblawg, inc. The goal of travelblawg is to provide visitors like you with a place to land to find guides, tips, news, and information related to travel + law, two of his biggest passions. Enjoy!